One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside.
Genesis 39:11 NIV
In Genesis 39:11, we read of a moment that reveals the true heart of a servant-leader. This simple verse, easily overlooked, offers a powerful glimpse into the character of Joseph and the kind of leadership that honours God.
Joseph held the highest position in Potiphar’s house. He declared that Potiphar withheld nothing from him except his wife. Potiphar trusted, respected, and empowered him. Yet, despite this great authority, Joseph continued to serve with unwavering diligence. He didn’t abandon his daily responsibilities or use his influence as an excuse to delegate everything to others. Instead, he remained active, committed, and present.
This is the essence of a servant-leader—someone who does not see leadership as a platform for comfort or control, but as an opportunity for stewardship and faithfulness. Joseph could have reasoned that others should serve while he supervised. However, he chose to lead by example, even when no one was watching. The Bible makes it clear that none of the household staff was present that day, and yet Joseph still went in to attend to his duties.
His service was not driven by eye-service or the need for human recognition. Joseph served because it was who he was, not because of who was watching. This mirrors Paul’s instruction in Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Joseph’s commitment was rooted in his relationship with God, not in his position or the opinions of others.
God is still looking for this kind of servant-leader—one who is faithful in the unseen, consistent in character, and reliable in every assignment. Joseph demonstrated that true leadership is not about status, but about service. He was a man God could trust, not just with a household, but with a nation. His faithfulness in Potiphar’s house prepared him for the weightier responsibility that lay ahead.
This challenges us to reflect. Are we holding positions of leadership—in ministry, in the workplace, or at home? Are we treating those roles as invitations to serve or as opportunities to rest while others carry the burden? Leadership, in God’s kingdom, demands that we remain engaged and faithful, even when no one else sees our effort.
Being a servant-leader means showing up—not merely in title, but in action. It means recognising that our calling involves just as much humility as it does authority. God honours those who labour in the quiet places, those who remain consistent even when applause is absent.
Let Joseph’s life encourage you. Whether in a small responsibility or a great one, be faithful. Serve with excellence. Lead with humility. And remember that the One who sees in secret is the One who rewards openly.
Living It Out
Take a moment to reflect on your current position—whether in your home, workplace, ministry, or community. Are you faithfully attending to your responsibilities, even when no one is watching? Ask the Lord to help you cultivate a heart like Joseph’s: one that serves with excellence, humility, and honour. Let your leadership be marked not by control, but by consistency. This week, choose to show up—fully, faithfully, and fervently.